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Things To Do Charleston Fall

11 Things To Do In Charleston This Fall

Fall is here, and Halloween is right around the corner! Get in the autumn spirit and check out some of these awesome activities happening in Charleston this Fall.

  1. Check out The Gathering of the Fork – a food and music festival with local restaurants offering sample sizes of their dishes for prices ranging from $1 to $5. And it’s for a good cause, as a portion of the proceeds goes to local food banks and other charities.
  2. Stop by the Charleston RiverDogs field for the Ballpark Festival of Beers, featuring over 100 domestic and imported ales, stouts, lagers, pilsners, and specialty beers, as well as food, activities and live music.
  3. Bring your kids and pets to the Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre Fall Festival on October 26th With a pet costume contest, live music, activities, and food, it’s fun for the whole family!
  4. Check out the Harvest Festival on November 2nd. Celebrate the best of autumn in the south, with 5 different local bluegrass bands, southern BBQ, and more!
  5. Get tickets to The Woodlands Fall Music Festival, which is being held from the 7th to the 9th of November. Held on the grounds of a nature reserve and featuring over a dozen artists on three lakefront stages, the fest is sure to be a great time for music lovers.
  6. Stop by the 7th Annual Rockabillique Festival on November 9th. There will be a classic car and motorcycle show, over 35 bands on 6 stages, food, drinks, and activities!
  7. Also on the 9th is the Charleston Shrimp and Grits Festival, where you can sample shrimp and grits from some of Charleston’s most popular local restaurants. There will also be live music, a cash bar, and local vendors.
  8. Fans of classical music should look into the Chamber Music Charleston concert at Drayton Hall on November 9th. There will be an hour-long program of music performed by a wind quintet followed by a light reception.
  9. Spread across the 9th and 10th of October, the 2019 Extra Chill Fest features 8 South Carolina musical acts from varying genres. Tickets are $10 at the door, with 4 acts per night.
  10. Seafood lovers should check out Charleston’s Lobster Festival on November 15th, where they can find fresh Maine lobster cooked to perfection, as well as music, dancing, and other activities.
  11. November 28th marks the 42nd Annual Turkey Day Run. Come run or just cheer someone on, and meet up for the post-race party featuring food, drinks, and live music, as well as activities and a fun-run for the kids.

Eat & Drink

Weekend Wine-Down at Charleston’s Only Domestic Vineyard

Featured Image: Charleston.com

Located about 30 minutes south of downtown Charleston, on Wadmalaw island you’ll find Charleston’s only domestic vineyard, Deep Water Vineyard. This 48-acre winery and vineyard grows one of the only truly native grapes to the U.S., Muscadine grapes. Producing authentic Muscadine wine out of these grapes, native to the Southeastern United States, Deep Water vineyard produces five different labels so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Known for years as “Irvin House Vineyard”, Ann and Jim Irvin’s retirement dream turned into Jesse and Andrea Freiwald’s “lifelong dream” with Deep Water Vineyard. The couple encourages visitors to spend an afternoon with walking trails, many animals, a garden, a large pond, a gift shop and Firefly distillery all on the property. The vineyard encourages a family-friendly environment so be sure to bring along your kids and four-legged friends.

For $7.00, guests can go on a “choose your own adventure” tour, trying all nine of the vineyards’ wines and receiving a complimentary wine glass at the end of the tour to remember your time on the island. Guests are also welcome to walk through the 7 miles of vines in the vineyard for a self-guided tour.

Every Saturday is Weekend Wine-Down at the vineyard. From 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., Deep Water Vineyard offers food and music to entertain visitors all afternoon. Food can be hard to find on Wadmalaw Island so Deep Water Vineyard makes sure there is at least one food truck on the property every Saturday. Check out Deep Water Vineyard’s Facebook page to learn more.

Events

The 8th Annual Summerville Sweet Tea Festival

Featured Image: Post and Courier

For the 8th year in a row, the Sweet Tea Festival will be hitting the streets of downtown Summerville on Saturday, September 21. Just 8 years ago, a small event held on the lawn of Hutchinson Square has grown into a premier event in the Lowcountry.

Wearing the title of The Birthplace of Sweet Tea, Summerville’s iconic downtown is the perfect setting for the festival. Already known for its hospitable, charming nature, Summerville takes great pride as the birthplace of the iconic Southern beverage. The Sweet Tea Trail winds through the town and gives visitors a personal experience learning about the history of the town and its ties to sweet tea.

Summerville’s sweet tea history begins in the 1700s when tea plants were imported into the area from China. It wasn’t until 1888 when Dr. Charles Sheperd created the Pinehurst Tea Plantation in Summerville which became the first prosperous tea plantation to produce American grown tea. Long after the death of Dr. Sheperd in 1915, these plants were transported to Wadmalaw Island in 1963 and became the original tea plants at the Charleston Tea Plantation which continues to be in full operation to this day.

The event is in the same location as when it was first held in Hutchinson Square, on West Richardson, and on Short Central. Mugs will be sold at the event so visitors can try all of the teas and then cast their vote in the tea tasting contest for the People’s Choice for Best Sweet Tea. Come out and enjoy historic Downtown Summerville with some sweet tea and live music!

Events

September events

17 Things To Do In Charleston This September

September is only a few days away and we can almost smell the pumpkin spice filling the fall air. Along with our favorite tasty coffee drink, September brings the first day of fall, college football, and a full social calendar. Here’s everything you need to do before the end of summer.

1. Ring in September with oysters, Naturdays, and Catalina wine mixers at Bay Street Biergarten on September 1.

2. Head to Daniel Island for a night of shopping, food and fun at the Daniel Island Night Market on September 6.

3. Honor the heroes of 9/11 at the 8th annual 9/11 heroes run on September 7.

4. Charleston Pride and Takeover Charleston are celebrating 10 years at Taco Boy downtown and you can join in on the fun on September 7 during the Takeover Taco Boy: Pride Week 2019 party.

5. Take an indigo dye class and discuss great literature at the Charleston County Public Library on September 7 at the Indigo Dye Class and Book Discussion.

6. Get your work out on at James Island County Park with a Paddle in the Park on September 8.

7. Sip and paint at West Ashley’s favorite brewery, Frothy Beard Brewing, for the weekly sip and paint Monday party. Oh and enjoy your first drink on Andre, September 9.

8. HOT DOG! It’s a coney dog cook-off at Indigo Reef Brewing Company on September 11 and you can be the judge.

9. Support Charleston Pride and enjoy tunes on September 13 during the second annual COLOR ME SILENT Headphone Party.

10. Expand your knowledge on craft beer at Drink History at Palmetto Brewing on September 13.

11. Fly over to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens on September 14 for the first ever Butterfly Bash.

12. Grab your best girl friends, put on some Lizzo, and head to Parcel 32 on September 17 for a Lowcountry Ladies Night Out!

13. Sing along to Kacey Musgraves on September 20 at her Oh, What A World tour stop at the Volvo Car Stadium.

14. Break out your scrunchies and slap bracelets and head downtown for a 90s bar crawl on September 21.

15. Enjoy some beer and barks at Reverly Brewing on September 21 at the Hoppy Tails Fundraiser benefitting the Charleston Animal Society.

16. Try something new and learn how to play the Taiko drum on September 21.

17. Break out your royal garb and head to Twenty Six Divine Tea Room on September 29 for the Mad Hatter Tea Party and pretend to be enjoying a cup of tea with Meghan Markle.

 

 

 

 

Eat & Drink

culinary tours

Explore Charleston And Unleash Your Inner Foodie On These Culinary Tours

Image: Charleston Culinary Tours/FB

If you identify as a proud foodie- Charleston is the place to be. The southern city is home to hundreds of restaurants that definitely know their way around a kitchen. Serving delicious dishes from southern staples to dry-aged steaks or high-end Mexican cuisine, Charleston has a restaurant for every mood and occasion.

The only issue with having so many great choices is that it’s almost impossible to try them all, which is exactly why Charleston Culinary Tours has made an effort to feature the best restaurants in Charleston. Find a tour that explores the area you wish to discover the most or plan to try them all.

Upper King St. Culinary Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: Monday thru Saturday at 3 pm

This tour showcases the culinary innovations and experimental designs of the top restaurants located on Upper King Street. The up and coming neighboorhood is filled with energy and vibrancy. It is the perfect area to gain insight into Charleston’s ever-changing culinary scene.

Charleston Dinner Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: Wednesday at 4:30 pm

This tour showcases four restaurants on Upper King Street and the surrounding area who demonstrate exquisite cooking in what is known as the New South. If you’re in search of a more adventurous dinner experience this is the perfect tour for you.

Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: Monday through Sunday at 2pm-3pm

This tour explores Charleston’s French Quarter and visits four restaurants that serve some of the most flavorful food found in Charleston. Make your way through the historic area while walking on some of the oldest streets in the city.

Farm to Table Experience

Duration: 3 hours

When: Saturdays from mid-April to mid-December at 9:30 am

This tour allows guests to experience a true farm to table experience, showcasing some of the best chefs in the city and the award-winning farmer’s market. The daily participating chef helps you pick fresh ingredients from the market for your meal. Then, the guide takes you on a 45-minute walking tour while the chef prepares a meal using all of the different ingredients.

Sustainable Seafood Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: the 3rd Thursday of every month at 5 pm

This tour showcases some of Charleston’s most reputable restaurants who serve locally sourced and responsibly harvested seafood. On this tour, you not only become part of the movement to protect our oceans but also get to enjoy freshly caught seafood right from our waters.

Which tour would you be most interested in taking?

 

Events

Father's Day

5 Father’s Day Activities You And Your Dad Will Enjoy

Father’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re searching for the perfect gift, you can stop. There’s no better gift for dad than some quality bonding time, so skip the socks and #1 Dad mug and get ready to win the best son/daughter award with these fun activities that you and your dad will totally enjoy.

Here are 5 fun Father’s Day activities going on in Charleston to show your dad just how much you care.

1st Annual Fathers For Fitness Walk/Run

Get in some quality bonding time while getting fit at the 1st Annual Fathers For Fitness Walk/Run. The 2.5-mile event takes place the day before Father’s Day at 2 pm at the West Ashley Bike Trail. The 1st annual walk/run hopes to promote the importance of health and exercise so that you and dad can celebrate many more Father’s Days together.

The Port Mercantile

Not much of a fitness person? That’s okay. You can take dad shopping and let him pick out his own gift at the Port Mercantile attached to the Restoration Hotel. He’ll receive 15% off select items for being such a rad Dad.

Wild Blue Ropes

If dad needs a little adventure in his life take him to Wild Blue Ropes where he can get a free climb using the promo code FATHERS619. Help each other through the course for a great bonding experience neither of you will forget.

Fathers Day at Dockery’s

Celebrate Dad at Dockery’s on Daniel Island for a Father’s Day brunch or dinner. Raise a glass at the table to thank your old man for all he does. He’ll receive a standard beer on the house.

Grand Opening of YETI Charleston

Let Dad run wild and enjoy the opening weekend of the YETI retail store located downtown. Have him pick out some of his favorite YETI products for his Father’s Day gift while enjoying live music and bloody mary’s in the store.
How are you celebrating Dad this weekend?

Events

Summer Events

5 Fun Events To Attend This Summer In Charleston

Featured Image: Charleston Fashion Week/FB

Whether you like it or not, summer is almost here! And Charleston’s summer event calendar is almost in full swing which means something new every day. We know you can’t attend all the events Charleston has to offer, so we’ve searched through our calendars and found five events that we can’t miss and you shouldn’t either!

Here are our five can’t-miss events this summer:

Charleston Fashion Week: Event #2

If you haven’t noticed already, CHSFW is changing up the way the produce their week-long event. Instead, the highly anticipated fashion week has been separated into three different events happening throughout the year in March, June, and September. The second event will be held on June 14th at Memminger Auditorium and will showcase up and coming designers and their trendy looks for Summer 2019!

Luke Combs:  Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour

Dust off your boots and crack open a cold one with the country music star himself, Luke Combs. The singer-songwriter is celebrating the tour of his new album, Beer Never Broke My Heart and will be performing at Volvo Car Stadium on July 11th. Purchase tickets online and get ready to rock out at the concert of the summer!

Charleston Farmers Market

Need a reason to get up and moving on Saturday morning? The Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square is a great one! Every Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm explore some of the city’s best local fruits and vegetables, pastries, jewelry, clothing, and more! Enjoy live music as you walk through the market and start your day off right!

Charleston Margarita Festival

If you love Margarita’s then this festival was made for you. Come out to Brittlebank Park on July 26th and sample 20+ delicious margaritas from some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Cast your vote for the best marg in Charleston as you snack on great food, enjoy live music- oh and get a little tequila buzz.

Rebelution: Good Vibes Tour

Close out summer with some good vibes at this reggae/rock concert on August 11th at Brittlebank Park. Grab a few lawn chairs and a group of friends and jam out with Rebelution as they end summer with some of their best-known songs that will get everyone “feeling alright.” Relax and enjoy as you look back on another extraordinary summer spent in Charleston.

 

Events

Charleston Wedding Venues

5 Breathtaking Wedding Venues In Charleston To Say “I Do”

Featured Image Source: Magnolia Plantation Weddings/FB

You’ve got the ring, now it’s time to find the perfect place to say “I do.” Finding the right wedding venue is a crucial step in the wedding planning process and often one of the hardest. Luckily, if you’ve chosen to get married in Charleston, there are no shortage of gorgeous venues. From plantations and historic homes to famous landmarks and renovated factories, the Holy City has a wide range of venues to choose from.

We know it can be a bit overwhelming with so many spectacular options to choose from so here are our top five wedding venues in Charleston:

The Gadsden House

Located in historic downtown, this beautiful venue is full of elegance and class. Originally built in 1798, the building underwent a restoration in 2015 while still keeping a historic feel. The heart pine floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and gas fireplaces are just a few of the refined elements that give this venue a feeling of warmth and romance, creating a space to breathe and relax your heart. The intimate courtyard invites guests to congregate and celebrate love despite rain or shine with outdoor tenting services available. Enjoy a calming view of the waterfront from the wrap around double piazzas as you toast to a life full of happiness, prosperity and peace.

The Cedar Room at the Cigar Factory

This Victorian style building was built in 1881 and was used as a cigar factory between the years of 1903 and 1973. Surviving the Great Depression, the Cigar Factory was one of the few establishments that secured their workers with employment and a full days wages. Now renovated into a stunning wedding venue, the Cedar Room is an inspiring place for couples to come together to entrust that same security in one another. The venue features hardwood floors, rustic brick walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal a breathtaking view of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Celebrate with a small, intimate group or a large party of 300 guests as you tie the knot and light up a celebratory cigar in true historic fashion!

Magnolia Plantation and Garden

Overflowing with feelings of romance and serenity, this venue uses nature to its full advantage. The live oak trees draped in Spanish moss and the well-manicured gardens, come together to create a picture-perfect scene for couples looking to have an indoor or outdoor wedding. Springtime welcomes beautiful azaleas and wisteria to the garden, while the warmer summer months bring enchanting crepe myrtle, hydrangeas, and iconic magnolias throughout the plantation. The cooler months are just as colorful with fall bringing morning glory, camellias, and more azaleas to the historic gardens, as well as America’s largest collection of camellias in the winter! Kiss the bride under the enchanting live oaks to commemorate a day you and your guests will never forget.

The American Theater

Located on Upper King Street, this glamorous venue screams lights, camera, action! The establishment was opened in 1942 and was primarily used as Charleston’s premier movie house. The theater was a major setting in Nicholas Sparks’ story “The Notebook,” where everyone’s favorite couple, Noah and Allie, had their first date. Although you can no longer view movies at the location, the venue is the perfect place to make the bride and groom, as well as their guests, feel like they’re in one! The vintage marquee, luxurious grand ballroom, and handmade milk-glass chandeliers are just a few of the sophisticated, Hollywood elements that the venue has to offer. Begin the rest of your lives in this cinematic, unique venue and cheers to a happily ever after.

159 Rutledge

The beautifully-restored Rutledge House is perfect for those looking for a classic-styled Charleston wedding. Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, couples and guests are welcomed into a hospitable and charming atmosphere. The building was built in 1845 and features original heart pine floors, restored brick fireplaces, crown-molded ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. With 5,500 square feet of event space, this quintessential venue allows the couple to hold a large party with plenty of space for dining and dancing. The house offers a feeling of timelessness with designs that will always stay in style for the bride and groom to fondly look back on years down the road. Walk down the aisle in this historic house and into life just as classic and beautiful with your significant other.

Which wedding venue would you say “I do” in?